University to honour Dame Penelope
A Scarborough-born star of stage and screen is to be honoured by the town’s Coventry University this week in recognition of her extensive contribution to drama and the arts.
Dame Penelope Wilton’s nearly 50-year career in the industry has seen her appear in a host of film, television and theatre productions, picking up a string of awards and nominations along the way.
Born in Scarborough, Penelope will receive her Honorary Doctorate during a ceremony in the town today.
During her career she has taken on leading roles in Downton Abbey, Ever Decreasing Circles, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, The History Boys, Doctor Who, Calendar Girls and Much Ado About Nothing.
She was presented with an OBE in 2004 for her services to acting, an award that was elevated to a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2016.
Penelope said: “I feel very honoured to be receiving this award from Coventry University and particularly proud to be presented it in Scarborough, the town in which I was born.
"Being able to develop my lifelong passion for acting into a successful career, working with so many remarkable people along the way, is something I feel very fortunate about and I have been lucky enough to use my profile to help a number of amazing charities.”
Coventry University Group’s location in Scarborough has strong links with the town’s Stephen Joseph Theatre through its Acting BA (Hons) course.
Penelope also has her own connection to the venue, having featured in the first London production of The Norman Conquests by Sir Alan Ayckbourn.